Month: February 2026

Erika’s Lighthouse | Give Today

Bruce YuLeave a comment

Support Student Mental Health

Sea Dragons Gavel Club is an affiliate of Erika’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring no student feels alone in their depression. Through this affiliation, we are fundraising to support their free, evidence-informed mental health education and suicide prevention programs for middle and high schools around the world.

Erika’s Lighthouse Impact

These programs are already making a real impact:

  • Over 1 million students reached in a single school year across 49 states and 26 countries
  • 91% of students report they understand how to care for their mental health
  • 92% say the program is helpful and important
  • Most students report they would seek help from a trusted adult if a friend was in crisis

Erika’s Lighthouse operates through four pillars — Classroom Education, Empowerment Clubs, Family Engagement, and Staff Training — helping schools build supportive communities and reduce stigma around mental health.

Why Donations Matter

Because the resources are provided completely free to schools, donations are essential.
About $2 can bring mental health education to one student.

  • $50 can support a classroom curriculum
  • $250 can help launch a student Empowerment Club
  • $1,000 can support a new school partnership

Your contribution is more than a donation — it gives students knowledge, confidence, and the courage to seek help.

Building Toward the Future

Erika’s Lighthouse has already reached its goal of impacting 1 million students, but the need continues to grow. The organization now aims to reach 2.5 million students each year by 2030.

Ongoing support helps:

  • Expand free programs to underserved schools
  • Strengthen data tracking to measure real outcomes
  • Grow student-led Empowerment Clubs
  • Sustain year-round mental health education

Lasting change requires more than a single gift — it requires a community committed to supporting young people.

Join the Effort

Sea Dragons Gavel Club is committed to service and leadership, and supporting youth mental health is part of that mission. We invite you to join us in supporting this important cause.

Donate today and help ensure every student knows they are not alone.

Donate Today

SMART 525th & SHIP 914th Meeting | Survival Guide to CNY

Bruce YuLeave a comment

Have you ever wondered when marriage will happen—or what it truly means to love someone?

Over the Lunar New Year break, Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Bruce Yu had the opportunity to visit the joint 525th meeting of Smart Toastmasters Club and the 914th meeting of Ship Toastmasters Club in Shenzhen, China. The theme, “Chinese New Year Holiday: Survival Guide to ‘When Will You Marry?’”, tackled these profound questions, and Bruce Yu was impressed by the energy of the members and how open they were to share their personal stories.

In the Table Topics session, members shared a variety of experiences. One male member talked about a female colleague who developed feelings for him, only for the relationship to end because she had a boyfriend from high school. He reflected on how complicated love can be, especially in the workplace. A female member shared her own perspective, saying, “The best way to know if you’ve found the right person is that there’s no clear answer—because the feeling becomes more important after many dates.”

A Mexican guest also shared a thought-provoking view: “I found my love today in this meeting—the love of socializing, the love of getting to know one another, and the love of learning by doing. Love isn’t just one thing.” His perspective was a refreshing reminder that love transcends the boundaries of romantic relationships.

The guest was also quick to compliment Bruce Yu on his height. After Bruce Yu introduced himself and shared some of his hobbies, the guest eagerly asked, “Do you play basketball?” Bruce Yu was delighted to meet someone so warm and positive, especially late in the evening.

The meeting took place at Walmart’s headquarters in China, and many of the members worked for Walmart China. This gave Bruce Yu an incredible opportunity to learn about how people in the corporate world view love, relationships, and inclusiveness. The experience underscored the importance of fostering open dialogue and connection, both in and outside of the workplace.

FSTT 227th Meeting | Golden Hours

Bruce YuLeave a comment

At the start of the Lunar New Year break, Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Bruce Yu visited the FSTT Toastmasters Club (From Speakers to Trainers) in Shenzhen, China. The visit strengthened connections between clubs and promoted shared learning. FSTT members demonstrated strong English proficiency and excellent communication skills, reflecting the club’s high standards of training and development.

The theme of the 227th meeting, “Golden Hours,” encouraged members to share meaningful moments through the Table Topics and Prepared Speech sessions. Zoe Wang, the meeting’s Harkmaster, noted, “Asking questions during the Harkmaster report section is my golden hour.” Her thoughtful preparation and attentive listening contributed greatly to the meeting’s energy and engagement.

Early in the meeting, Bruce Yu delivered a guest introduction, sharing his enthusiasm for visiting Toastmasters clubs and exchanging experiences. He also introduced his interests in biking and watching movies. In the Table Topics session, he presented a two-minute impromptu speech on applying the “Golden Hour” concept to daily life, including his experience of using it to write articles for Toastmasters magazine. He also introduced key sections of the magazine to members who were unfamiliar with them.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Bruce Yu was recognized as the Most Dazzling Guest. He expressed appreciation for the club’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and assisted with venue cleanup before extending Lunar New Year greetings to all members. Although FSTT Toastmasters Club has been established for only four years, it has built a strong reputation for professionalism, dedication, and positive community spirit.